FTS Investigation: Thorough investigation and comprehensive test profile.
Establishing key facts with our detailed client questionnaire
The 25 minute client interview established in summary:
- The client had previously used cocaine on a frequent basis but claimed to have stopped using just over 3 months prior to testing. No hair cosmetics or scalp medications had been used that could influence drug levels in hair.
- The matched hair sample and also a urine sample were tested by FTS, who carried out a hair strand test and urine test for cocaine to establish a 3 month history up to immediately prior to sampling.
Hair sample cut to 4cm and segmented into 4 x 1cm segments
FTS completed the testing and investigated all factors that could influence the outcome and interpretation of the test results. The profile of very high levels in hair section 4 reducing significantly and progressively in each section to very low levels in hair section 1, combined with a negative urine test, clearly represented carry-over of cocaine in the dormant hair from previous use. FTS used their experience referencing their unique and comprehensive database to produce a report with a clear and unambiguous conclusion on the client’s pattern of drug use, based on the balance of probabilities.
FTS laboratory results
FTS experts reveal a Negative result over the same period and concluded on a balance of probabilities:
“These results are compatible with the client using cocaine on a frequent basis up to around February. Cocaine use appears to have stopped sometime during February or possibly early March and there does not appear to have been any active cocaine use for the subsequent period of approximately 3 months up to the point of sample collection at the end of May. These results appear to be consistent with the clients’ declaration.”
Concluding Comments
When the appropriate test profile is used and results interpreted in context with key factors (in particular, previous very frequent use) and referenced against our unique database, FTS can provide the most probable and reliable conclusion.
This conclusion is often different from other laboratories, despite both laboratories finding similar average levels in the hair, which highlights the serious implications of using an inappropriate test profile and taking results at face value. The different conclusion in this case would probably lead to a different decision being made with regards to the child’s residence. In certain cases, given the client has honestly declared previous use and has shown motivation to stop using, then these results may provide justification for the cost of additional testing to ensure abstinence from drug use is maintained, which means decisions can be made with more confidence.
